A federal appeals court has upheld a lower court decision striking down a North Dakota law that abortion rights activists called the most restrictive abortion law in the country.
The law banned abortions after the sixth week of pregnancy.
It was dubbed the “fetal heartbeat bill.” Supporters say a fetal heartbeat can be detected at six weeks. It was passed by the North Dakota Legislature in 2013. It was one of a series of measures designed to get the courts to revisit Roe versus Wade. A federal district judge in Bismarck found it unconstitutional – and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed that decision.
In a statement, North Dakota Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said he is reviewing the decision – and will decide if there will be an appeal to the Supreme Court.
